Bitter kola (scientific name; Garcinia kola) is a plant native to West and Central Africa. It is commonly used in traditional medicine, cultural practices, and as a snack due to its numerous health benefits. Bitter Kola is a tropical cultural uses. Its scientific name is Garcinia kola, and it grows predominantly in West and Central Africa.
It is a tropical flowering plant found in western and central Africa, produces large orange fruits and brown, nut-like seeds. The seed plays a very important role in African ethno-medicine, in the treatment of coughs, colds, hoarseness of voice, liver diseases and as aphrodisiac. Garcinia kola used as a substitute for hops in brewing lager beer,,and in preventing beer spoilage.The seeds have been formulated into tablets and are also used in many herbal preparation, either singly or in combination with other plants. Kola and Combretum,and Hangover Tonic, comprising kolaviron and Cola nitida, are manufactured and marketed as phytomedicines.The constituents isolated from the seed include, benzophenones and kolaviron.
The hepatoprotective properties of the seed have been associated with the isolated bioflavonoid complex kolaviron. Kolaviron protects against carcinogen-induced hepatotoxicity free radical scavenging, metal chelation, upregulation of the detoxification system, inhibition of stress response and been successfully applied to treat patients suffering from oster.
It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its used to prevent infections and viruses, especially for the Immune System. Garcinia kola is used as a substitute for hops in brewing lager beer, and is used as a substitute for hops in brewing lager beer and is especially useful in preventing beer spoilage. Bitter and seed have been formulated into tablets and are also added to many herbal preparation either singly or in combination with other plants. For instance, Hepa-VitalTea, a blend of Garcinia kola and Combretum micranttum, and Hangover Tonic is used traditionally in Africa and is known for it anti-stress and refreshing activities, owing to the presence of potent antioxidative biflavonoids in the seed, kolaviron is currently being considered as a candidate for clinical in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Historical Cultivation and Usage
Garcinia kola is an evergreen tree that grows wild in the wet and moist zones of Nigeria, Ghana, and the Republic of Congo. The tree is now planted in farms to serve as a shade tree in cocoa plantations; It is traditionally used during ceremonial displays and as a gift to nobles, because it is believed to influence longevity, and has been used in the treatment of ailments since ancient times.
The see of the bitter kola plant are chewed raw and are valued for their health benefits. Such as boosting immunity, improving digestion and enhancing energy levels. The plant is also used in traditional medicine and cultural practices, often symbolizing respect and hospitality in African ceremonies. Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) comes in several forms depending how it is processed and consumed. Below are some common types of bitter kola
Type Of Bitter Kola
Garcinia kola is a tropical flowering plant found in western and central Africa, which produces large orange, brown, nut-like seeds embedded in an orange-colored- coloured pulp.it is well-branched, evergreen, and grows to a medium-sized tree, reaching 12 m in height in 12 years. It is found in humid forest regions throughout West and Central Africa. The leaves are broad, elongated and leathery, with distinct resinous canals and have 10 pairs of lateral veins running parallel to the margin.
1. Raw Bitter Kola Seeds
These are the unprocessed seeds harvested directly from the bitter kola fruit.
Uses: Often chewed directly for their health benefits, especially for immune boosting, energy, and digestive support.
2. Dried Bitter Kola Seeds
After harvesting, the bitter kola seeds are dried to extend their shelf life.
Uses: The dried seeds are typically used for making infusions, teas, or as supplements in powdered form.
3. Powdered Bitter Kola
Dried bitter kola seeds are ground into a fine powder.
Uses: This form is commonly used to make teas, capsules, or mixed with other ingredients for consumption as a supplement.
